U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Detroit Metro Airport intercepted rare spore-spreading seed bugs among undeclared cypress cones from Jordan late last year. The half-inch-long insects were found during a routine inspection of a passenger traveling to Ohio.
Local CBP and USDA officials identified the insects as Orsillus species, specifically Orsillus maculatus, on January 1. This pest has been intercepted only twice before in the United States: in Dallas in 1998 and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2018.
In Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, these bugs are known to cause significant damage to cypress plantations by feeding directly on cypress seeds. They also carry fungal spores on their bodies, spreading them as they move. Although they prefer cypress, they have been observed on other conifer species.
Cypress and other conifers are vital in the U.S. Midwest for reducing erosion and flooding, improving water quality, providing wildlife refuge, and having ornamental and timber value. The bugs' ability to feed on multiple hosts and transfer pathogenic spores poses a threat to native conifer trees with low genetic resistance to non-native pests.
"This was an excellent discovery by our CBP agriculture specialists," said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. "We must be cognizant of all threats in the border environment, large and small."
Invasive insects can be problematic due to underestimated pest potential compared to their native environments where natural predators exist.
Travelers are encouraged to declare all agricultural items to help protect American agriculture and natural resources. More information is available at CBP.gov/travel.
CBP is America's frontline: the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and the world's first unified border management agency. Its workforce of over 65,000 men and women protects America across land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade.
